Hit the road for a "One-Tank Trip" around Southern Ontario.
Adventures worth the drive from the syndicated newspaper/web column by Jim Fox

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Wednesday, June 22, 2011

CN Tower Celebrates 35 Years of Innovation

Toronto, Ontario, Canada (June 2011) Canadian icon, Toronto landmark, engineering wonder…on June 26, 2011 the CN Tower will mark the 35th year since it opened to the public in 1976. To celebrate this milestone, a number of admission discount offers and events have been planned from June 26-July 1, 2011 during the Tower’s birthday week leading up to Canada Day. Up to the minute event details will be available on the CN Tower’s website cntower.ca.

Sunday June 26 (11am-12:30pm and 2-3:30pm)A Special Book Signing with Richard Rohmer and Stewart (Bud) Andrews

The Building of the CN Tower - an illustrated history of the building of Canada’s National Tower written by bestselling author Richard Rohmer. As legal counsel for Metro Centre Developments Limited in the early 1970s, Rohmer worked closely with CN Tower Project Manager Stewart (Bud) Andrews, who is often referred to as the visionary behind the CN Tower and is so recognized in this book. In this book they share their experiences during the CN Tower construction along with a collection of original architectural designs, pictures from the foundation start to the topping off of the Tower and descriptive newspaper clippings. Both Rohmer and Andrews will be at the CN Tower during a special book signing.

Monday June 27Cirque du Soleil’s “Totem”

Be sure to visit the beautiful Totem themed garden created in partnership with the Toronto Botanical Gardens.

Tuesday June 28 (1pm, 2pm, 3pm)

RCMP Canine Unit Demonstrations!

Presented by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Foundation. Meet some of the talented members of the RCMP Canine Unit and see demonstrations of the unique talents of these dogs raised and trained by the RCMP, during three shows.

Wednesday June 29 – Admission DiscountToronto Blue Jays (11am-4pm)

Celebrating the 35th season of the Toronto Blue Jays, enjoy baseball themed activities on the Plaza.

CN Tower Admission Discount

Show your Toronto Blue Jays game day ticket from the June 29th game or any other game during the 2011 season and save 35% off CN Tower admission**

OWL Magazine is also celebrating 35 years in 2011! CN Tower guests can enjoy a special Owlkids subscription offer, prizes, giveaways and a chance to meet the Chirp magazine mascot!

Friday July 1 - Admission Discount

Canada Day CN Tower Admission Discount

Dress in red and white July 1st to celebrate Canada’s birthday and save 20% off any CN Tower ticket package.***

(Don’t miss a special Canada Day flash mob on the plaza at 12noon.)

* Activities and times are subject to change without notice.
** Offer not valid for EdgeWalk, CityPASS or Premier. Must show a Toronto Blue Jays 2011 game ticket at time of purchase. Must purchase tickets onsite April 1-September 30, 2011. May not be combined with any other offer. Offer subject to change and availability. One offer per person.

*** Offer not valid for EdgeWalk, CityPASS or Premier. Must wear red and white apparel at time of purchase. Must purchase tickets onsite. May not be combined with any other offer. Offer subject to change and availability. One offer per person.

Leading Edge Facility

Over the years, the CN Tower has been maintained as a leading edge facility and in doing so has fostered a legacy of innovation. Upgrades and expansions have ensured the Tower continues to provide visitors with a world class experience. Some of these include:

1986 - The world’s first motion theatre ride experience, Tour of the Universe launches at the CN Tower. Upgrades and new programming ensure that this theatre ride experience continues to thrill.

2009 – BOMA BESt Level 1 – National Green Building Certification recognizing the commitment to sustainable best practices at Canada’s National Tower presented by the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Canada.

2011 – The first of its kind in North America, EdgeWalk, the world’s highest full circle hands-free walk on a 5 ft (1.5 m) wide ledge encircling the top of the CN Tower’s main pod, 356m, (1168 ft , 116 storeys) above the ground. This adrenalin-fueled experience allows thrill seekers to walk the edge of one of the world’s greatest man-made wonders beginning summer 2011.

History of the CN Tower

For 35 years the CN Tower has captivated Toronto residents and over 1.5 million people who visit each year from near and far. Thirty-five years after it was built, the CN Tower remains a famous Canadian icon and Toronto landmark, an engineering Wonder of the Modern World, a critical telecommunications hub and a first-class entertainment, dining and event centre.

The CN Tower is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers along with the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Panama Canal and the Chunnel under the English Channel.

The CN Tower experience boasts breathtaking views from three observation levels including the Glass Floor, Look Out and Sky Pod, a 3D theatre, simulator ride, unique Canadiana shopping and three dining options including award-winning 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower. 360 has won numerous awards for its cuisine and ambiance and has the best view of any restaurant in town and the world’s highest wine cellar located within the restaurant. The CN Tower is also a premier event venue hosting over 500 events annually for 2 to 2000 people at a time.

Construction involved 1,537 people, who worked 24 hours a day, five days a week for over 40 months and many of those people fondly remember the experience as “one of the most interesting.” 35 years ago Torontonians were captivated by the sight of an Erickson air crane Sikorsky helicopter nicknamed “Olga” lifting the 44 pieces of the CN Tower’s antenna, including the final 30 foot piece, signaling the completing of construction of Canada’s National Tower.

The Tower’s high standards have been recognized with a long and distinguished record of achievement. Numerous awards include: World Federation of Great Towers Environment Award, BOMA BESt, Staffing Award, Business of the Year, Best Attraction, Best Safety Awareness Program, Best Guest Services Training Program, Most Romantic Restaurant, Distinguished Restaurants of North America Award of Excellence and Wine Spectator ‘Best of Award of Excellence’.

The CN Tower attracts over 1.5+ million visitors annually from all over the world including a who’s who of royalty, celebrities and dignitaries.

The CN Tower has been celebrated on Canadian Stamps and a Royal Canadian Mint collector coin generated record sales.

Federally owned and operated, the CN Tower’s contributions to tourism run deep. It attracts 1.5+ million national and international visitors annually generating revenues of over $50M and employing 400 staff (500+ seasonally).